'Proud': Newmarket unveils Pride bench on Main Street in memory of volunteer who supported LGBTQ+ community

Yorkreigon.com
June 28, 2021

The Town of Newmarket unveiled the new Pride bench on Main Street on June 26, which celebrates Pride but also a community volunteer who recently passed away.

Gillian Barker was a Newmarket resident who volunteered for many years to support the local LGBTQ+ community and Pride more generally, Mayor John Taylor said.

Barker's family and Pride approached the town with a request to place the rainbow bench in her honour in Newmarket's downtown area. The idea was received and supported by Newmarket council.

"Newmarket is the proud host of the York Pride Parade and festival and is committed to diversity and inclusion," Taylor said.

The Pride bench was placed on Main Street, just across the street from the clock tower on Park Street.

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The town also painted the support braces placed on the brick ledge nearby in rainbow colours on the same day the bench was placed there.